Suspension package assembly

ABSTRACT

A suspension package assembly can include a package member, a stretchable retention member, and a closure device disposed on the stretchable retention member. The package member and a stretchable retention member cooperate to suspend at least one article. At least one article can be held securely between the retention member and a base member of the foldable member. The pocket of the retention member can be positioned over the foldable portions of the package member. The foldable portions can fit into the pockets and then can be folded so as to generate tension in the retention member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

1. Field of the Inventions

The present inventions are directed to a package assembly. Inparticular, the present inventions are directed to a suspension packageassembly that includes a stretchable retention member and a packagingmember.

2. Description of the Related Art

Protective packaging devices are often used to protect goods from shocksand impacts during shipping or transportation. For example, whentransporting articles that are relatively fragile, it is often desirableto cushion the article inside a box to protect the article from aphysical impact with the inner walls of the box that might be caused byshocks imparted to the box during loading, transit, and/or unloading.

In most cases, some additional structure is used to keep the articlefrom moving uncontrollably within the box. Such additional structuresinclude paper or plastic packing material, structured plastic foams,foam-filled cushions, and the like. Ideally, the article to be packagedis suspended within the box so as to be spaced from at least some of thewalls of the box, thus protecting the article from other foreign objectswhich may impact or compromise the outer walls of the box.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,973 discloses a number of inventions directed tosuspension packaging assemblies which incorporate frame members and oneor more retention members. For example, many of the embodiments of theU.S. Pat. No. 6,675,973 patent include the use of a retention memberformed of a resilient material. Additionally, some of the retentionmembers include pockets at opposite ends thereof

In several of the embodiments disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,973patent, free ends of the frame members are inserted into the pockets ofthe retention member. The free ends of the frame member are then bent,pivoted, or folded to generate the desired tension in the retentionmember. Because the retention member is made from a resilient material,the retention member can stretch and thus provide a mechanism forsuspending an article to be packaged, for example, within a box.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

An aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includesthe realization that packaging devices that are designed to retain itemsto be packaged using a thin stretchable film can be further improved byproviding a closure device in the stretchable sheet material. As such,the packaging device can be transported to the customer in a moreready-to-use state. For example, such a packaging device can bedelivered to the customer, such that the customer can simply open theclosure device, insert the item to be packaged, then close the closuredevice. As such, the customer is not required to perform some steps thatmight otherwise have been required to place the article within thedevice.

Thus, in accordance with an embodiment, a packaging kit for packaging anarticle and maintaining the article in a position spaced from a wall ofa container, can comprise a resilient member comprising a body portionand first and second pockets disposed at opposite ends of the bodyportion, and at least one closure device configured to be openable andcloseable. Additionally, a substantially rigid member can comprise abase member sized to support the article, and a first foldable portionand a second foldable portion configured to be pivotable relative to thebase member, at least a portion of the first foldable portion configuredto fit with the first pocket and at least a portion of the secondfoldable portion configured to fit within the second pocket.

In accordance with another embodiment, a package assembly comprise afirst resilient portion, a substantially rigid member configured toengage the first resilient portion, and means for providing an openingthrough the first resilient portion.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of at leastone of the inventions disclosed herein. These and other embodiments ofthe inventions will become readily apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description of the preferred embodimentshaving reference to the attached figures, the inventions not beinglimited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the inventions are described below withreference to the drawings of several embodiments of the present packageassemblies and kits which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit,the inventions. The drawings contain the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a packaging member in an unfolded andunassembled state, the packaging member having foldable portionsdisposed around the periphery of a central base member;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a retention member having a pair of opposingpockets;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a package assembly having the retentionmember attached to the packaging member, and the package assembly is inan unfolded state with an article disposed between a surface of theretention member and a surface of the packaging member;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an optional feature of the packageassembly of FIG. 3 taking along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the package assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the package assembly and an articleheld therein;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the package assembly of FIG. 6 in apartially folded state;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the package assembly of FIG. 6 in apartially folded state;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the package assembly of FIG. 6 in afully folded state;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the package assembly of FIG. 6 in a fullyfolded state;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the package assembly in afully folded state, and the package assembly is disposed within acontainer;

FIG. 12A is a side elevational view of a packaging system in an openposition, and the packaging system is configured to form a retentionmember on a packaging member;

FIG. 12B is a side elevational view of the packing system of FIG. 12A ina closed position;

FIGS. 13A-13C are side elevational views of another packaging system forproducing a package assembly;

FIG. 14A is a top plan view of a package assembly made by the packagingsystem of FIGS. 13A-13C;

FIG. 14B is a bottom plan view of the package assembly of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a modification of the package assembly ofFIGS. 1-15;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a modification of the retention memberillustrated in FIG. 2, including a closure device;

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the retention member illustratedin FIG. 17;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a modification of the retention memberillustrated in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19A is a schematic side elevational view of the retention memberillustrated in FIG. 18 having pockets engaged with foldable portions ofa packaging member;

FIG. 19B is a schematic side elevational view illustrating the retentionmember of FIG. 18 engaged with the packaging member in a second foldedstate;

FIG. 19C is a schematic side elevational view of the retention memberand packaging member illustrated in FIG. 19B with an article to bepackaged disposed within the retention member;

FIG. 19D is a schematic illustration of the assembly of FIG. 19Cdisposed within a box;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of yet another modification of the retentionmember of FIG. 2 illustrated in an unassembled state;

FIG. 21 is another plan view of the retention member illustrated in FIG.20 illustrated in a partially assembled state;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the retention device illustrated in FIG. 20,in a final assembled state;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a further modification of theretention member illustrated in FIG. 2 having a closure member;

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the retention member illustrated in FIG. 23,in an assembled state;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a resilient sheet member used to formanother modification of the retention member illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 26 is a perspective illustration of the resilient sheet of FIG. 25having been folded into a tubular shape and having a closure deviceinstalled thereon;

FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the retention member illustratedin FIGS. 25 and 26 having been heat sealed along some edges thereof;

FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the retention member illustratedin FIG. 27 having additional edges heat sealed;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the retention member illustratedin FIG. 28 having its longitudinal ends folded;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the retention member illustrated inFIG. 29 with additional edges having been heat sealed;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the retention member illustrated inFIG. 27 having an optional heat sealing procedure;

FIG. 32 is a side elevational view of the retention member illustratedin FIG. 31 showing the longitudinal ends thereof folded;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the retention member illustrated inFIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of yet another modification of theretention member illustrated in FIG. 2 having gusseted lateral edges;and

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the retention member illustrated inFIG. 34 having been pressed into a flatter configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An improved package assembly is disclosed herein. The package assemblyincludes an improved structure which provides new alternatives to knownsuspension packaging systems.

In the following detailed description, terms of orientation such as“upper,” “lower,” “longitudinal,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “lateral,”“midpoint,” and “end” are used herein to simply the description in thecontext of the illustrated embodiments. Because other orientations arepossible, however, the present inventions should not be limited to theillustrated orientations. Additionally, the term “suspension” is notintended to require that anything, such as an article to be packaged, issuspended above anything. Rather, the terms “suspended” as used herein,is only intended to reflect that such an article is held in a positionspaced from another member, such as at least one of the walls of acontainer or box. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that otherorientations of various components described herein are possible.

The suspension packaging assemblies disclosed herein can include apackaging member (e.g., packaging member 100, FIG. 1) and a retentionmember (e.g., retention member 270, FIG. 2), wherein the retentionmember can include a closure device (e.g., closure device 271, FIG. 2).The suspension packaging assemblies disclosed herein are described inthe context of a suspension packaging assembly formed from a packagingmember and a retention member having a closure device because they haveparticular utility in this context. However, the inventions disclosedherein can be used in other contexts as well.

With reference to FIG. 1, a packaging member 100 is illustrated thereinin an unfolded state and is constructed in accordance with anembodiment. Generally, the packaging member 100 includes a base member120 and a pair of opposing foldable portions 130, 132. The base member120 is configured to engage or provide support for one or more articlesto be packaged.

In some embodiments, the foldable portions 130, 132 are configured toincrease a tension in a retention member (FIG. 2) for holding one ormore articles in a desired position relative to the base member, anexemplary position being shown in FIG. 3.

In some environments of use, opposing lateral wall portions 140, 142 canbe manipulated to form lateral side wall that suspend the base member120 (see FIG. 11). The lateral wall portions can be configured to extendgenerally vertically on either side of the base member 120.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the packaging member 100 can beconstructed from various materials, including but without limitation,pulp, paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic, combinationsthereof, and other appropriate materials. The chosen material forconstructing the packaging member 100 can be any substantially rigid butfoldable material. It will be appreciated that, although denominated asrigid or substantially rigid, the chosen material would preferably havean amount of flexibility in the cases of extreme physical impact. Insome embodiments, the material used to form the packaging member 100 isa single wall corrugated C-flute cardboard. The illustrated packagingmember 100 is a generally thin, planar member; however, the packagingmember 100 can have other configurations.

The base member 120 can be sized and dimensioned so as to engage orprovide support for one or more articles. Although the base member 120is described primarily as being disposed at the center of the packagingmember 100, the base member 120 can be at other locations. Additionally,the base member 120 can comprise a plurality of members, each configuredto engage an article. For the sake of convenience, the base member 120is described as a generally planar centrally disposed member.

The size of the base member 120, which defines a loading area, can bechosen arbitrarily or to accommodate, support, or engage an article of aparticular size. The loading area size can be chosen based on the numberand configuration of the articles on or proximate to the base member120. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the base member can beused to package one or more communication devices (e.g., portablephones, cellular phones, radios, headsets, microphones, etc.), electricdevices and components, accessories (e.g., cellular phone covers),storage devices (e.g., disk drives), and the like. In certainembodiments, the base member 120 is configured to package one moreportable music players, such as IPODs® or MP3 players.

It is contemplated that the base member 120 can be designed to packageany number and type of articles. In the illustrated embodiment, the basemember 120 is somewhat square shaped and has a surface area (i.e., theloading area) of about 40-60 inches square. In some non-limitingembodiments, the base member has a loading area more than about 40inches square, 45 inches square, 50 inches square, 55 inches square, 60inches square, and ranges encompassing such areas. However, these aremerely exemplary embodiments, and the base member 120 can have otherdimensions for use in communication devices, packaging modems, harddrives, portable phones, or any other article that is to be packaged.

The illustrated base member 120 has a generally flat upper surface thatan article can rest against. Other non-limiting base members can havemounting structures, apertures, recesses, partitions, separators, orother suitable structures for inhibiting movement of an article engagingthe base member. For example, the base member 120 can have at least oneholder that is sized and configured to receive an article.

The lateral wall portions 140, 142 are positioned on either side of thebase member 120. The lateral wall portions 140, 142 can be foldedupwardly and inwardly to form lateral side walls.

The lateral wall portion 140 can include a lateral wall protrusion 146and a flap 148. The wall section 150 can be interposed between theprotrusion 146 and the flap 148. The lateral wall protrusion 146 canextend laterally and inwardly from the wall section 150. The flap 148extends laterally and outwardly from the wall section 150. Theprotrusion 146 and the flap 148 are medially positioned along thepackaging member 100.

At least one fold line can be defined between the lateral wall portion140 and the base member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, a fold line160 extends between the base member 120 and the lateral wall portion140. The fold line 160 also extends partially through the foldableportions 130, 132.

The lateral wall portion 142 can include a lateral wall protrusion 161and a flap 162. A wall section 164 can be interposed between the lateralwall protrusion 161 and the flap 162. The lateral wall portions 140, 142can be generally similar to each other and, accordingly, the descriptionherein of one of the lateral wall portions applies equally to the other,unless indicated otherwise.

The fold lines can be formed as perforations in the packaging member100, i.e., broken cut lines passing partially or completely through thematerial forming the packaging member 100. In the alternative, or inaddition, the fold lines can be crushed portions of the material formingthe member 100. Of course, depending on the material used to constructthe packaging member 100, the fold lines can be formed as mechanicalhinges, thinned portions, adhesive tape, or any other appropriatemechanical connection which would allow various portions of the foldablemember to be folded or rotated with respect to each other. Theseconcepts apply to all the fold lines described herein, although thisdescription will not be repeated with respect to the other fold linesdescribed below.

The projections 146, 161 are somewhat rectangular in shape. Theprojection 146, 161 are merely one type of configuration that can beprovided for spacing the base member 120 from a support surface, such asan inner surface of a container, when the base member is in a fullyfolded configuration. An aperture is formed, at least in part, by theprotrusion 146. The illustrated aperture 147 is interposed between theprotrusion 146 and the base member 120. As such, the protrusion 146 canbe moved relative to the base member 120. An aperture 148 is similarlyformed between the protrusion 161 and the base member 120.

Optionally, other protrusions can be used to space other portions of thepackaging member 100 from surfaces. The illustrated packaging member 100has protrusions 180, 182. The protrusion 180 is disposed between thefoldable portion 130, the base member 120, and the lateral wall portions140. The protrusion 182 is disposed between the foldable portion 130,the base member 120, and the lateral wall portions 142. Protrusions 184,186 are formed in a similar manner by the foldable portion 132, the basemember 120, and the lateral wall portions 140, 142.

The foldable portion 130 can be folded downwardly about the fold line190 towards a bottom surface base member 120. When the foldable portion130 is folded, it can be approximately parallel to the base member 120.In some embodiments, the foldable portion 130 can lie against the basemember 120. The foldable portion 132 can be folded in a similar mannerabout the fold line 192. Thus, the foldable portions 130, 132 can befolded along the fold lines 190, 192, respectively, and pressed againstthe bottom surface of the base member 120.

The foldable portions 130, 132 can include a mounting portion 200, 202,respectively, that are configured to interact with a retention membersuch that the retention member and the base member 120 cooperate tosecurely hold one or more articles. The mounting portion 200 includes apair of slots 204, 206 that extend at least partially through thefoldable portion 130. In some embodiments, including the illustratedembodiment, the slots 204, 206 are elongated slots define lateral edgesof an insertable section 210. The mounting portion 202 has a pair ofslots 213, 215 that define at least a portion of the insertable portion220. The insertable sections 210, 220 each can be configured to hold atleast a portion of a retention member.

In some embodiments, each insertable section 210, 220 can be configuredto fit into a corresponding pocket of a retention member. The insertablesections 210, 220 can securely hold and tension the retention member byfolding foldable portions 130, 132 along the fold lines 190, 192, asdescribed in greater detail below. The insertable sections 210, 220preferably cooperate to tension the retention member so as toresiliently support one or more articles against the base member 120.

Optionally, extreme ends of the fold line 160, identified generally bythe reference numerals 232, 234, can be cuts extending completelythrough the material forming the packaging member 100. As such, tabs236, 238 can mate with the outer surface of the protrusion 146 when thepackaging member 100 is folded. Cuts 240, 242 are defined at the ends ofthe fold line 166 and define tabs 244, 246, respectively.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a retention member 270,which can have a closure device 271, and which can be mounted to thepackaging member 120. Generally, the retention member 270 can bedisposed over at least a portion of the packaging member 100. Theinsertable sections 210, 220 can be disposed in corresponding pockets274, 276 of the retention member 270. The closure device 271 isdescribed in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 17-24.

The retention member in the illustrated embodiment is identified as aretention member 270. The retention member 270 preferably is formed of aresilient body 272. For purposes of convenience for the followingdescription, the body 272 is identified as having a mid point Mpositioned in the vicinity of the middle of the resilient body 272. Theresilient body 272 also includes pockets 274, 276 at opposite endsthereof In the illustrated embodiment, the retention member 270 isformed of a single piece of resilient material, and is sized tocooperate with the foldable portions 130, 132 of the packaging member100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pockets 274, 276 are formed of folds278, 280 formed in the resilient body 272 which have been attached(e.g., heat sealed, bonded, fused, welded, etc.) along lateral oppositeedges thereof In this embodiment, a heat sealing process forms the heatsealing lines 282, 284, 286, 288. The heat sealing lines 282, 284, 286,288 can be continuous or formed of a plurality of heat sealed points.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerousmethods for forming pockets in a resilient sheet material such as theresilient body 272. However, it has been found that heat sealing isparticularly advantageous as it does not require expensive adhesives andthe time consuming steps required for using such adhesives. However,such adhesives can be used if desired. Welding processes (e.g.,induction welding), fusing techniques, and the like can also be used toform the lines 282, 284, 286, 288.

The retention member 270 has a length L₁ that is sized depending on theother devices with which the retention member 270 is to cooperate. Thus,the length L₁ can be sized such that when the retention member is in itsfinal state, e.g., engaged with the foldable portions 130, 132, itgenerates the desired tension for the corresponding application. Thus,the length L₁ will be smaller where a higher tension is desired and willbe larger where a lower tension is desired. Additionally, the length L₁might be different for different sized articles that are to be packed.One of ordinary skill in the art can determine the length L₁ for thecorresponding application.

The retention member 270 can be formed of any resilient material. Insome embodiments, the retention member 270 can be made of a polyethylenefilm. However, virtually any polymer, elastomer, or plastic film can beused to form the retention member 270. The density of the film can bevaried to provide the desired retention characteristics such as overallstrength, resiliency, and vibrational response. Preferably, the densityof the retention member 270 is determined such that the retention member270 is substantially resilient when used to package a desired article.The retention member 270 can be mono-layer or multi-layer sheetdepending on the application.

With reference to FIG. 3, a suspension package assembly 281 includes thepackaging member 100 and the retention member 270 connected thereto. Anarticle 300 is securely held between the member 270 and the base member120 (see FIG. 6). The retention member 270 is preferably permanentlymounted to the packaging member 100.

The insertable sections 210, 220 are positioned within correspondingpockets 274, 276. The pockets 274, 276 of the retention member 270 canbe placed over the insertable sections 210, 220. The length between theouter edges (i.e., the length of the packaging member 100) of theinsertable sections 210, 220 can be slightly greater than the length L₁of the retention member 270. The sealing lines of the retention member270 can be disposed along the elongated slots 291, 293 of the packagingmember 100. The article 300 can be inserted between the member 270 andthe base member 120 after the member 270 is mounted to the base member120.

The assembly 281 can include at least one coupling structure configuredto aid in keeping the packaging member 100 connected to the retentionmember 270. In some embodiments, the packaging member 100 can includeone or more coupling structures (e.g., 297, 299) configured to inhibitmovement between the retention member 270 and the packaging member 100.

Each of the coupling structures 297, 299 can include at least onemounting aperture for receiving at least a portion of the retentionmember 270. The mounting portions 200, 202 can also have at least oneaperture for forming at least a portion of a coupling assembly. Theillustrated mounting portions 200, 202 each have a correspondingaperture 300, 302 that forms at least a portion of a coupling assembly.The mounting apertures are configured to engage a coupler that inhibitsrelative movement of the retention member 270 with respect to thepackaging member 100. The illustrated coupling structures 297, 299 havea single aperture 300, 302, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the pockets 274, 276 are engaged with themounting portions 200, 202, parts of the pockets are disposed onopposite sides of the mounting portions. In this arrangement, as shownin FIG. 4, the retention member 270 has a first sheet 306 and a secondsheet 308 on opposite sides of the corresponding mounting portion.

In other words, a portion of the packaging member 100 that defines theaperture 302, in this case the mounting portion 202, is positionedbetween the first sheet 306 and the second sheet 308. A coupler 310 ofthe coupling assembly 299 connects the first sheet 306 and the secondsheet 308, and is positioned within the aperture 302. This provides afurther advantage in securing the retention member 270 to the packagingmember 100. As such, the complete assembly 218 can be shipped to acustomer, with the retention member 270 securely connected to thepackaging member 100, thereby avoiding the need for the ultimatecustomer to assemble the packaging member 100 to the retention member270.

In some embodiments, the coupler 310 can be in the form of a heat sealthat can cooperate with the aperture 302 to limit movement of theretention member 270. The heat seal 310 can be formed by a heat sealingprocess, thermal bonding, fusion, adhesives, and the like. In someembodiments, the heat seals are formed from the material forming thesheets 306, 308.

The heat seal 310 can include one or more heat sealing lines, heatsealed points, or other type of coupling structure. The illustrated heatseal 310 is positioned within the aperture 302. A skilled artisan canselect an appropriately sized heat seal 310 to pass through the aperture302 while maintaining the desired bond between the first sheet 306 andthe second sheet 308 during the assembly of the package.

Other configurations can be employed to inhibit movement of theretention member 270 with respect to the packaging member 100.Mechanical fasteners, snaps, closures, or other structures can be usedto couple the retention member 270 to the packaging member 100. Thesecan be used alone or in combination with heat seals and/or apertures.For example, the coupling assemblies 297, 299 can be in the form offasteners that pass through the packaging member 100.

Heat sealing, however, provides yet a further improvement because heatsealing is easily incorporated into manufacturing lines for corrugatedcardboard. For example, as raw corrugated cardboard pieces are movedalong an assembly line, in which dies are used to cut the raw cardboardinto the desired shapes, such a packaging member 100, a retentionmember, such as a retention member 270, can be placed on the packagingmember 100 and heat sealed to it with heat sealing devices. A number ofthusly finished assemblies 218 can then be packaged in a box and shippedto the customer with little or no human interaction.

In some embodiments, with reference again to FIG. 4, the apertures 300,302 can be positioned in the folding portions 130, 132. However, theapertures 300, 302 can be at other locations. Additionally, any numberof apertures can be utilized. For example, a plurality of apertures canbe positioned at various points along the foldable portions 130, 132. Insome embodiments, the foldable portions 130, 132 each have at least twoapertures. Each of the apertures preferably interacts with at least oneheat seal or other coupling structure.

The apertures 300, 302 can have any suitable shape for receiving a heatseal. The illustrated apertures have are somewhat rectangular. Inalternative embodiments, the apertures have are circular, elliptical,polygonal (including rounded polygonal) or other shape as desired.

The retention member 270 remains retained to the packaging member 100even when the packaging member 100 is manipulated. As such, theretention member 270 can be secured to the packaging member 100 beforeor after the article is positioned between the retention member 270 andthe packaging member 100. Additionally, the retention member 270 remainscoupled to the packaging member 100 during, e.g., transportation of theassembled suspension package assembly 281.

The package assembly 281 can be folded from the illustrated generallyflat configuration of FIGS. 3-5 to tension the retention member 270.FIG. 6 illustrates the foldable portions 130, 132 being foldeddownwardly along the folding lines 190, 192, respectively, therebytensioning the retention member 270. The coupling assemblies 297, 299hold the retention member 270 to the packaging member 100 as thefoldable portions 130, 132 are folded.

The foldable portion 130 can be rotated in the directed by the arrows322 from the unfolded position 326 to the folded position 328. Thefoldable portion 132 can be rotated in the directed by the arrows 332from the unfolded position 336 to the folded position 338. The foldedpositions 328, 338 can be the maximum limit of rotation.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the foldable portions 130, 132 in thefolded position can lie against the bottom surface 340 of the basemember 120. In some embodiments, the retention member 270 is stretchedwhen the foldable portions 130, 132 are moved from the unfoldedpositions 326, 336 to the folded positions 328, 338. The tensionedretention member 270 can tightly hold the article to the upper surface341 of the base member 120.

The length L₁ of the retention member 270 can be decreased or increasedto increase or decrease the tensioning of the retention member 270. Asshown in FIG. 7, the protrusions 180, 182 can capture the retentionmember 270 therebetween. The retention member 270 can also be capturedbetween the protrusions 184, 186. The protrusions 180, 182, 184, 186 cancooperate to inhibit lateral movement of the edges 313, 315 of theretention member 270.

With reference to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the lateral wall portions140, 142 can be folded upwardly an inwardly along the fold lines 160,166 as indicated by the arrows 350. As the lateral wall potions 140, 142are moved upwardly, the protrusions 146, 161 are moved correspondinglydownwardly beneath the base member 120. As shown in FIG. 9, the lateralwall portions 140, 142 can be in a generally upright position. In theillustrated embodiment, the wall sections 150, 151 are generallyperpendicular to the base member 120. The lateral wall portions 140, 142and the corresponding protrusions 146, 161 in the illustrated positionsform lateral side walls 373, 375. The lateral walls 373, 375 can begenerally perpendicular to the base member 120.

The flaps 148, 162 can be folded inwardly and downwardly along the foldlines 362, 368 (FIG. 1) and can extend inwardly from the upper end ofthe wall sections 150, 151, respectively. In such an embodiment, thebase member 120 and the lateral wall portions 140, 142 cooperate to forma space 370 dimensioned so as to accommodate one or more articles to bepackaged. In such an arrangement, the article 300, within the space 370,is protected by the side walls 373, 375 and the base member 120. Thearticle 300 is preferably spaced from the lateral wall portions 140, 142to further protect the article 300 from external forces. The size andconfiguration of the space 300 can be chosen by one of ordinary skill toeffectively minimize impacts to the article 300 which is retained in thepackage assembly 281.

The base member 120 extends laterally between the side walls 373, 375.The base member 120 is preferably positioned above the edges 380, 382.The protrusions 146, 161 each have a length that is sized depending onthe article 300. If the article 300 causes flexing or bending of thebase member 120, the length of each protrusions 146, 161 can be selectedto minimize or prevent contact between the bottom surface 340 of thebase member 120 and another surface of, e.g., packaging.

For example, the base member 120 can be separated from the bottom 391 ofthe container 400 as shown in FIG. 11. Thus, the protrusions can besized such that when the packing assembly 281 is in a container, thebase member 120 does not contact the container, even when subjected tovibrations, sudden accelerations, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments,the protrusions 146, 161 have a length of about 0.1 inch, 0.2 inch, 0.25inch, 0.3 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.75 inch, and ranges encompassing suchlengths. In such embodiments, the article can be effectively protectedas the base member 120 is adequately spaced from the surface 391 of thecontainer 400. However, protrusions of other lengths and shapes can alsobe employed.

The base member 120 and the foldable portions 114, 116, which lieagainst the bottom surface of the base member 120, can cooperate to forma shock absorbing structure beneath the panel 112. That is, the foldableportions 114, 116 reinforce the base member 120.

With reference to FIG. 11, the package assembly 281 can be positionedwithin a container 400. The container 400 can be configured to transportarticles of various configurations. The container can be a shippingcontainer, box, or other suitable packaging container. The container 400can comprise pulp, paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, plastic,combinations thereof, and other appropriate materials.

The article 300 can be suspended from the inner surfaces of thecontainer 400. If the container 400 is rapidly accelerated (e.g., thecontainer 400 and package assembly 281 therein are dropped on theground), the packaging assembly 281 can protect the article 300. Thatis, the article 300 can be held securely by the packaging assembly 281away from the inner surfaces of the container 400, even if there shocksimparted to the container 400 during loading, transit, and/or unloading.The packaging assembly 281 may also advantageously absorb energy (e.g.,absorb shocks and/or impacts) to minimize energy transferred to thearticle 300.

Similarly, the side walls 373, 375 are configured such that the article300 is separated from the top surface 393 of the container 400.Preferably, the article 300 is suspended securely somewhat midwaybetween the opposing inner surfaces 391, 393 of the container 400. Thetensioned retention member 270 inhibits movement of the article 300relative to the base member 120. The tensioned retention member 270 mayadvantageously absorb vibrations to further protect the article.

The packaging assembly 281 can have various configurations. Theillustrated packaging assembly 281 has a somewhat H-shape as viewed fromthe side. The end 397 of the base member 120 is connected to the lateralside wall 373. The end 399 of the base member 120 is connected to thelateral side wall 375. The ends 397, 399 are preferably positionedsomewhat midway along the lateral side walls 373, 375. That is, the ends397, 399 of the base member 120 can be spaced from the top and bottom ofthe lateral walls 373, 375. As such, the lateral side walls 373, 375 canextend vertically on either side of the base member 120.

The container 400 can have any number of packaging assemblies. Theillustrated container 400 has a single packaging assembly 281. However,the container 400 can be configured to hold a plurality of packagingassemblies. For example, the container 400 can be sized to accommodatepackaging assemblies that are in a vertically stacked arrangement. Thepackaging assemblies can be in any suitable array for placement in acontainer.

The packaging assembly 281 can be shipped in the flat and unfolded stateas illustrated in FIG. 3. These packaging assemblies 281 can beconveniently stacked. The packaging assemblies 281 can then be denselypacked in a tight arrangement allowing a large number of packagingassemblies 281 to be transported and at relatively low cost.Alternatively, the retention members and the packaging members can bestored and transported separately. The retention members and thepackaging members can be assembled before being used for packagingarticles.

The packaging assemblies 281 can also be stacked in a display structure.Space is a premium commodity in the retail, packaging, and shippingindustries. Unused floor or wall space costs the money in lostopportunity. Accordingly, it is important to use as much store space aspossible to sell merchandise (either assembled or unassembled packagingassemblies). The densely stacked packaging assemblies 281 can maximumself space and may lead to increased sales. The packaging assemblies 281can be held in free standing display racks, display cabinets, andvarious wall and shelving configurations. Various manufacturingprocesses can be employed to form the packaging assemblies.

FIG. 12A illustrates a packaging system 460 that is configured to attacha sheet 462 to the packaging member 100. The sheet 462 can be thestarting material to form the retention member 270. The packaging system460 can form one or more heat seals between portions of the sheet 462 oneither side of the packaging member 100. In some embodiments, includingthe illustrated embodiment, the sheet 462 can be positioned around themember 100 such that the packaging system 460 can form the retentionmember 270 while also coupling the retention member 270 to a packagingmember 100. This provides yet another advantage in that the retentionmember 270 can be formed and attached to the packaging member 100 in aone-step process reducing fabrication time and cost.

With continued reference to FIG. 12A, the packaging system 460 can havean upper movable portion 461 and a lower movable portion 463, each beingmovable between a closed position and an open position. The uppermovable portion 461 has a first section 470A and a second section 472A.The lower movable portion 463 has a first section 470B and a secondsection 472B. Each of the sections 470A, 470B, 472A, and 472B comprisesa sealing element for forming one or more heat seals. The movablesections 470A, 470B include corresponding sealing elements 482, 480 thatcooperate to form a heat seal from the sheet 462. Each element can bemounted to an actuator 451. In some embodiments, the sealing elements480, 482 come together to form the pocket 274 (FIG. 2) of the retentionmember.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12A, the sheet 462 is a sheet thatis wrapped around the packaging member 100. The sheet 462 extends acrossthe upper surface of packaging member 100 and along the periphery of thebottom surface of the packaging member 100. To form the sealing lines288, 286 of FIG. 2, the elements 482, 480 can be brought together. Asshown in FIG. 12B, the elements 482, 480 are in a closed position forforming the sealing lines. Optionally, the elements 482, 480 can be usedto size and cut the retention member as desired. The elements 482, 480can have one or more heating elements, welding surfaces, etc.

The heating elements can be at an elevated temperature suitable forforming the sealing lines. The surface of the elements 482, 480 can beheated to a sufficient temperature to cause the portions of the sheet462 on either side of the packaging member 100 to be sealed together. Assuch, the retention member 270 can be simultaneously formed and coupledto the packaging member 100. In alternative embodiments, a separateprocess can be used to cut and trim the retention member to theappropriate size.

Alternatively, the retention member can be pre-formed and thensubsequently assembled with the packaging member 100 to form thepackaging assembly 281. In other words, the retention member 270 withthe pockets 474, 476 can be assembled with the packaging member 100.

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate another method of producing the packagingassembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment. Generally, one ormore sheets can be used to form a retention member disposed about thepackaging member 100. In FIG. 13A, the sheets 500, 502 are separatesheets positioned on either side of the packaging member 100. In someembodiments, the separate sheets 500, 502 are on separate rolls ofmaterial and are fed in the same direction as the packaging member 100is moved during a manufacturing process, for example. In alternativeembodiments, a single, unitary sheet can be positioned on both sides ofthe packaging member 100. That is, a continuous sheet can be folded overthe packaging member 100 and used to form the retention member 531 ofFIGS. 15A and 15B.

With reference to FIG. 13A, the packaging member 100 is interposedbetween a pair of sheets 500, 502. The sheets 500, 502 can be deliveredby a feed system that can continuously output sheets sized to fit overat least a portion of the packaging member 100. As noted above, the feedsystem can have a plurality of rollers that spool the sheets 500, 502.The sheets 500, 502 can have a width corresponding to the width ofretention member (e.g., the retention member 531 of FIGS. 15A and 15B).

The sheets 500, 502 and packaging member 100 can be positioned within apacking system 501 designed to join at least a portion of the sheet 500to the sheet 502. As shown in FIG. 13B, the sheets 500, 502 andpackaging member 100 are positioned within the packaging system 501 inan open position.

The packaging system 501 includes a first movable portion 510 and asecond movable portion 512 each movable between an open position and aclosed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first movableportion 510 and the second movable portion 512 are spaced from thesheets 500, 502. To couple the sheets 500, 502 together, the firstmovable portion 510 and the second movable portion 512 can be moved to aclosed position as illustrated in FIG. 13C.

With continued reference to FIG. 13B, the first movable portion 510 hassealing surfaces 520A, 520B that can be in contact with correspondingsealing surfaces 522A, 522B of the second movable portion 512. Thesealing surfaces 520A, 520B, 522A, 522B cooperate to form the retentionmember. The sealing surfaces 520A, 520B, 522A, 522B can be used to formthe heat seals, cut the sheets 500, 502, and/or otherwise form thesheets into a desired configuration.

In some embodiments, when the movable portions 510, 512 occupy a closedposition as illustrated in FIG. 13C, the sealing surfaces 520A, 520B,522A, 522B can be heated and pressed together to seal and coupletogether the sheets 500, 502. Thus, the packaging system 501 can be usedto both attach and form the retention member in a one-step process. Thefirst movable portion 510 and the second movable portion 512 can then bemoved away from each other to the open position. The illustratedfabrication process of FIGS. 13A-13C can be used to form a generallycontinuous retention member that is formed on both sides of the foldablemember. Of course, the retention member can be cut from the retentionmember illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a packaging assembly 530 that can producedby the process shown in FIGS. 13A-13C. The retention member 531 extendson both sides of the packaging member 100. In FIG. 14A, the sheet 500 ispositioned on one side of the packaging member 100 and the sheet 502(FIG. 14B) is on the other side of the packaging member 100. The edges542, 544 of the retention member 531 are formed by the sealing edges520B, 522B of the movable portions 501, 512, respectively. The edges552, 554 of the retention member 531 are formed by the sealing edges520A, 522A of the movable portions 501, 512, respectively.

Optionally, the first movable portion 510 and the second movable portion512 can simultaneously form the heat seals 551 and the sealing edges542, 544, 552, 554. Alternatively, the heat seals 551 can be formedsubsequently to the forming of the sealing edges. The package assembly530, for example, can be removed from the portions 510, 512 and the heatseals 551 can be formed in a subsequent process. In some embodiments,the sheets can be coupled to the packaging member 100 so that the sheetremains attached to the packaging member 100 during the folding process.For example, the sheet 602 can be adhered to the lower surface of thepackaging member.

FIG. 15 illustrates a modification of the assembly 281, identifiedgenerally by the reference numeral 600. The assembly 600 can include aplurality of coupling assemblies 602. The package assembly 600 isgenerally similar to the package assembly 281, except as describedbelow.

Each coupling assembly 602 can include an aperture 604 and a heat seal605. At least one of the coupling assemblies 602 can facilitatepositioning of the articles 610, even when the packaging assembly 600 isin an unfolded state. The illustrated packaging assembly 600 includes acoupling assembly 602 interposed between the articles 610. In such anembodiment, the coupling assembly 602 tensions the retention member 622so that the articles 610 are held snuggly against a packaging member624. The articles 610 can therefore be held securely in place during thefolding process.

With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, as noted above, the retention member270 can include a closure device 271. The closure device 271 can be inthe form of any type of openable and closeable closure device. Forexample, but without limitation, the closure device 271 can comprise azipper, a tongue-in-groove device such as those known as Ziploc®devices, adhesive strips, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, theclosure device 271 is in the form of a zipper assembly 700.

The zipper assembly 700 can be formed with any known commerciallyavailable zipper components. Such zipper components typically have firstand second toothed strips 702, 704. Each of the toothed strips 702, 704are mounted to a mounting flange 706, 708. The toothed strips can bemade from any material, but are typically made from metal or plastic.Additionally, the individual teeth on each of the toothed strips 702,704 are arranged offset from each other such that they can nest witheach other when the toothed strips 702, 704 are engaged with each other.

The zipper assembly 700 can optionally include a connector member 710disposed at one end of the toothed strips 702, 704. The connector member710 can be used to permanently attach one end of the toothed strips 702,704 together. The connector member 710, while it is optional, can alsobe used to limit movement of the slider member 712 to prevent the slidermember 712 from becoming disconnected from the toothed strips 702, 704.

The zipper assembly 700 can also include a slider device 712 that isconfigured to be slidable along the toothed strips 702, 704 to connectand separate the toothed strips 702, 704 from each other. Such a deviceis well known in the art and is not described in further detail.

The flanges 706, 708 can be connected to the retention member 270 in anyknown manner. For example, but without limitation, the flanges 706, 708can be sewn, glued, heat sealed, or attached to a portion of theretention member 720 in any other manner. Many of the commerciallyavailable zipper components include flanges, such as the flanges 706,708, made from a fabric material. Thus, such flanges 706, 708 can easilybe sewn to the material forming the retention member 270.

In the illustrated embodiment, the closure device 271 is illustrated asbeing disposed in about the center of the retention member 270, with thezipper assembly 700 extending generally along the longitudinal link L₁of the retention member 270. However, any other orientation can also beused. For example, the zipper assembly 700 can extend laterally acrossthe retention member 270, can be oriented along a diagonal line, can becurved, and can be placed offset from the middle of the retention member270, in one or both of its longitudinal and transverse directions.

With reference to FIG. 3, when the retention member 270 is used inconjunction with a packaging member 100, such as the packaging member100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the closure device 271 can providefurther convenience for the user of such a packaging assembly. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 3, the retention member 270 can bedisposed over the foldable portions 130, 132 of the packaging member 100and the closure device 271 can be opened such that an article 300 can beinserted through the closure device 271 into the proper orientation forpackaging. After the article 300 has been inserted through the closuredevice 271, the closure device 271 can be closed to thereby place theretention member 270 in a state ready for use. Although, in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the retention member 270 is heatsealed to the packaging member 100, the retention member 270 having theclosure device 271 can be used in an embodiment in which the retentionmember 270 is not heat sealed to the packaging member 100.

FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a modification of the retention member 270,identified generally by the reference numeral 270A. Some of thefeatures, materials, components, and other details of the retentionmember 270A can be the same or similar to those correspondingcomponents, features, and details of the retention member 270. Thus,portions of the retention member 270A are identified with the samereference numerals used to identify the corresponding components of theretention member 270, except that a “A” has been added thereto.

With reference to FIG. 18, the retention member 270A can be formed fromtube material. For example, polyethylene film is commercially availablein a tube form, which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 18.Additionally, other materials, such as other polymers, elastomers, andother plastic films, are also available in tube form.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retention member 270A, which in theillustrated embodiment is formed from a polyethylene tube, can also beprovided with a closure device 271A constructed in accordance with anyof the above embodiments. For example, in some embodiments in which theclosure device 271A is a zipper assembly 700A, the tube material formingthe retention member 270A can be slit, and then the components of thezipper assembly 700A can be connected to opposite sides of such a slit.

With reference to FIG. 19A, the retention member 270A can be used topackage an article 300. For example, the packaging member 100 isillustrated in FIG. 19A with its foldable portions 130, 132 foldedupwardly (as viewed in FIG. 19A) to form a generally 90° angle with thebase member 120.

The opposite open ends of the retention member 270A can be considered asforming pockets 274A, 276A, even though they are not closed off from therest of the interior of the retention member 270A. As such, the pockets274A, 276A can be fit over the foldable portions 130, 132. After such,the foldable portions 130, 132 can be unfolded toward a flat state, inwhich the foldable portions 130, 132 are generally coplanar with thebase member 120 (FIG. 19B). Optionally, the retention member 270A can befurther connected to the packaging member 100. For example, as describedabove with reference to FIG. 3, the retention member 270A can be furtherheat sealed to openings 302 that can be formed in the packaging member100. However, this is optional.

With continued reference to FIG. 19B, in this configuration, thepackaging member 100, together with the retention member 270A, can besent to a customer ready for use. For example, a large number ofpackaging assemblies including the packaging member 100 and the attachedretention member 270A, in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 19B, canbe tightly stacked and shipped to a customer, for example, in anotherlarger box. When the customer receives such a packaging assembly, thecustomer can simply open the closure device 271A, insert an article 300(FIG. 19C), then close the closure device 271A. Thereafter, the customercan then fold the foldable portions 130, 132 in the direction of arrowsY, which thereby provides additional tension in the retention member270A, thereby providing further suspension or anchoring force forholding the article 300 against the base member 120.

With reference to FIG. 19D, with the foldable portions 130, 132 foldedaway from the upper surface of the base member 120, the foldableportions 130, 132 can provide an additional spring if the assembledpackage of the article 300, the retention member 270A, and the packagingmember 100 are disposed in an additional box 720. For example, thefoldable portions 130, 132, because they are bent to an acute anglebeneath the base member 120, can act as cantilever springs. For example,the foldable portions 130, 132, due to their construction (e.g.,cardboard) and the tension provided by the retention member 270A(omitted from FIG. 19D) are biased toward an unfolded state, toward theposition illustrated in FIGS. 19B and 19C. Thus, as the box 720encounters shocks, the foldable portions 130, 132 can swing in arcuatedirections, identified by the arrows 722, 724, and thereby provideadditional shock absorption. Additional members (not shown) can providea similar limiting or shock absorbing function to maintain the spacein-between the packaging member 100 and the top of the box 720. Thus, asthe box 720 is subjected to shocks, the base member 120 can move up anddown within the box 720 along the arrow 726.

FIGS. 20-22 illustrate another modification of the retention member 270,identified generally by the reference numeral 270B. Some of thefeatures, components, and other details of the retention member 270Bthat can be the same or similar to the corresponding features,components, and details of the retention members 270, 270A, areidentified with the same reference numerals, except that a “B” has beenadded thereto. Thus, the description of some of those features,components, and details are not repeated below.

With reference to FIG. 20, the retention member 270B can form from asingle piece of sheet material, referred to as the body 272B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the body 272B defines a central portion730, longitudinal projections 732, 734, and lateral projections 736,738. The lateral projection 736 can have an outer edge 740 and thelateral projection 738 can have an outer edge 742.

With reference to FIG. 21, a closure device 271B can be attached to theedges 740, 742 so as to form an enclosure with the central area 730 andthe lateral projections 736, 738. In the illustrated embodiment, theclosure device 271B is a zipper assembly 700B. Thus, in someembodiments, lateral flanges (not shown) of the zipper assembly 700B canbe attached to the edges 740, 742, through any known technique,including those described above.

The other edges of the lateral projections 736, 738 can be heat sealedto the central portion 730. In the illustrated embodiment, such heatsealing forms heat sealed portions 744, 746, 748, 750. As such, the heatsealed portions 744, 746, 748, 750 and the closure device 271B transformthe retention member 270B into an enclosure that can be used forpackaging an article (e.g., article 300).

Optionally, with reference to FIG. 22, the longitudinal projections 732,734 can be folded over and heat sealed to form pockets 274B, 276B foruse in conjunction with foldable portions of a packaging member, such asthe foldable portions 130, 132 of the packaging member 100 illustratedand described above.

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate yet another modification of the retentionmember 270, identified generally by the reference numeral 270C. Some ofthe features, components, and details of the retention member 270C thatcan be the same or similar to corresponding features, components, anddetails of the retention members 270, 270A, 270B described above, areidentified using the same reference numeral, except that a “C” has beenadded thereto. Thus, some features, components and details of theretention member 270C are not repeated hereinbelow.

With reference to FIG. 23, the retention member 270C can be formed fromfirst and second portions 760, 762. In some embodiments, the secondportion can have a closure device 271C provided thereon. For example,the closure device 271C can be in the form of a zipper assembly 700C.

With reference to FIG. 24, the first portion can be attached to thesecond portion in any known manner. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst portion 760 and the second portion 762 are attached by heatsealing. In the illustrated embodiment, this heat sealing processgenerates heat sealing portions 764, 766, 768, 770. As such, the firstand second member 760, 762 define an enclosed portion in which anarticle to be packaged (e.g., article 300) can be disposed. For example,the closure device 271C can be opened so that the article 300 can beinserted between the first and second portions 760, 762. After such, theclosure device 271C can be closed, thereby enclosing the article 300between the first and second portions 760, 762.

With continued reference to FIG. 24, the remaining portions of the firstportion 760 can be folded to form pockets 274C, 276C. For example, heatsealing can be used again to form the pockets 274C, 276C. As also shownin FIG. 24, the remaining portions of the first portion 760 are foldedaway from the side to which the second portion 762 is attached. As such,the closure device 271C will be disposed on the side of the retentionmember 270C that is opposite from the side on which the pockets 274C,276C are formed.

FIGS. 25-30 illustrate yet another modification of the retention member270, identified generally by the reference numeral 270D. Some of thefeatures, components, and details of the retention member 270D that canbe the same or similar to corresponding features, components, anddetails of the retention members 270, 270A, 270B, 270C described above,are identified using the same reference numeral, except that a “D” hasbeen added thereto. Thus, some features, components and details of theretention member 270D are not repeated hereinbelow.

FIGS. 25-30 illustrate the steps of a an optional process formanufacturing the modified retention member 270D, with FIG. 30illustrating the final form of the retention member 270D. The retentionmember 270D can be manufactured in any process, however, FIGS. 25-30illustrate one exemplary process.

As shown in FIG. 25, the retention member 270D can start as a singlerectangular sheet of a resilient material 800. However, other shapes canalso be used. In this modification, the sheet 800 can include lateraledges 802, 804 and longitudinal edges 806 and 808.

With reference to FIG. 26, a closure device 271D can be attached to thelateral edges 802, 804 so that the lateral edges 802, 804 can beattached to one another. In such a configuration, the sheet 800 forms agenerally tubular member. The sheet 800 can optionally be pressedflatter (FIG. 27), depending on the heat sealing equipment used, andheat sealed along the remaining free edges of the lateral edges 802,804, thereby forming heat sealing portions 810, 812.

Following that process, with reference to FIG. 28, the longitudinal ends806, 808 can be further heat sealed, forming end heat sealed portions814, 816. Subsequently, the longitudinal ends 806, 808 can be foldedover, as shown in FIG. 29. These folded over portions can then befurther heat sealed, whereby additional heat sealed portions 818, 820,822, 824 are formed. In this manner, discrete versions of the pockets274D, 276D can be formed. Such pockets 274D, 276D, whether they arediscrete or not, can be fit over foldable portions of a packaging framemember, such as those described above with reference to FIGS. 1-15.However, other frame members can also be used.

FIGS. 31-33 illustrate another modification of the retention member 270,identified generally by the reference numeral 270E. Some of thefeatures, components, and details of the retention member 270E that canbe the same or similar to corresponding features, components, anddetails of the retention members 270, 270A, 270B, 270C, 270D describedabove, are identified using the same reference numeral, except that a“E” has been added thereto. Thus, some features, components, and detailsof the retention member 270E are not repeated hereinbelow.

The process of making a retention member 270E can begin with theprocesses noted above with reference to FIGS. 25-27. Thus, for example,after forming the heat sealing portions 810E, 812E, the resilient sheetmember 800E can be further heat sealed, laterally, at positions spacedfrom the longitudinal ends 806E, 808E. For example, as shown in FIG. 31,the resilient sheet member 800E can be heat sealed to form heat sealingportions 850, 852, at positions spaced from the longitudinal ends 806E,808E, respectively. As such, the free ends of the longitudinal ends806E, 808E form open pockets, while the interior pocket formed beneaththe closure member 271E can be substantially or completely separatedfrom the pockets 274E, 276E by the heat sealing portions 850, 852.

With reference to FIG. 32, the longitudinal ends 806E, 808E can befolded under. The resulting pockets 274E, 276E can receive foldableportions of a packaging member, such as those described above withreference to FIGS. 1-15.

FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate yet another modification of the retentionmember 270, identified generally by the reference numeral 270F. Some ofthe features, components, and details of the retention member 270F thatcan be the same or similar to corresponding features, components, anddetails of the retention members 270, 270A, 270B, 270C, 270D, 270Edescribed above, are identified using the same reference numerals,except that a “F” has been added thereto. Thus, some features,components, and details of the retention members 270F are not repeatedherein below.

FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate some of the steps that can be used to formthe gusseted retention member 270F, some of the steps being illustratedin other figures. For example, in a process of forming the gussetedretention member 270F, the steps described above with reference to FIGS.25-27 can first be performed.

With reference to FIG. 34, before or after the heat sealed portions810F, 812F are formed, lateral sides of the retention member 270F can befolded inwardly to form gussets 860, 862. The size of the gusset can beany dimension. For example, but without limitation, with reference toFIG. 35, the depth 864 of the gussets 860, 862, can be 1″, 2″, 2½″,etc., or any depth. The depth 864 can be adjusted to accommodate thesize of the article to be packaged with the retention member 270F.

As shown in FIG. 35, the retention member 270F with the gussets 860, 862can then be pressed into a flatter configuration. In this flatterconfiguration, additional heat sealing can be applied to the retentionmember 270F if desired. However, without any additional heat sealing,the retention member 270F can be used by folding the longitudinal edges806F, 808F as described above with regard to the retention member 270Aand the steps illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 19-19D.

Optionally, in some embodiments, the retention member 270F can also befurther heat sealed to generate discrete pockets 274F, 276F by using anyof the techniques or configurations described above, including thosedescribed with reference to FIGS. 29, 30, 32, and 33.

Although the present inventions have been described in terms of certainembodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art also are within the scope of these inventions. Thus, variouschanges and modifications may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the inventions. For instance, various components may berepositioned as desired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects andadvantages are necessarily required to practice the present inventions.

1. A packaging kit for packaging an article and maintaining the articlein a position spaced from a wall of a container, the kit comprising: aresilient member comprising a body portion and first and second pocketsdisposed at opposite ends of the body portion, and at least one closuredevice configured to be openable and closeable; a substantially rigidmember comprising: a base member sized to support the article; and afirst foldable portion and a second foldable portion configured to bepivotable relative to the base member, at least a portion of the firstfoldable portion configured to fit with the first pocket and at least aportion of the second foldable portion configured to fit within thesecond pocket.
 2. The kit according to claim 1, additionally comprisinga coupling assembly configured to limit relative movement between theresilient member and the rigid member.
 3. The kit according to claim 2,wherein the coupling assembly comprises a heat seal.
 4. The kitaccording to claim 1, wherein the closure device comprises a zipper. 5.The kit according to claim 1, wherein the closure device comprises atongue-in-groove assembly.
 6. The kit according to claim 1, wherein theclosure device comprises adhesive.
 7. The kit according to claim 1,wherein the resilient member defines an enclosed pocket, the closuredevice being configured to provide an openable and closeable openinginto the enclosed pocket.
 8. The kit according to claim 1, additionallycomprising a box, the substantially rigid member and the resilientmember being sized to fit within the box.
 9. The kit according to claim1, additionally comprising a box, wherein the substantially rigid memberand the resilient member are configured to support an article to bepackaged in a position spaced away from the box and to absorb shocks toprevent the article from making contact with inner surfaces of the box.10. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the resilient member includesgussets along lateral edges thereof.
 11. A package assembly comprising:a first resilient portion; a substantially rigid member configured toengage the first resilient portion; and means for providing an openingthrough the first resilient portion.